Cambridge Liberal Democrats

Court condemns sham nuclear consultation

February 16, 2007 9:00 AM

David Howarth, MP for Cambridge and Lib Dem Energy Spokesperson, has welcomed a high court decision to force the Government to reverse controversial nuclear power plans.

Greenpeace brought the case to the High Court claiming that the Government had reneged on its promise to carry out the "fullest public consultation" before making a final decision in favour of building new nuclear power stations.

Mr. Howarth said:

"Greenpeace's victory is not unexpected given the casual way in which this Government has changed its policy on nuclear power. Decisions like these cannot and should not be made without proper public debate.

David Howarth MP

"The Government needs to go back to the drawing board on nuclear power. As today's judgment shows it has failed to properly carry out public consultation on nuclear new build. It has also come to the wrong conclusions. The Government's nuclear numbers just don't add up."

Mr Justice Sullivan said that the review process used by the Government was "very seriously flawed" and "procedurally unfair"